Richard C. Peterson

He was born Nov. 24, 1946, at Topeka, the son of Johnny and Margarette McFadden Peterson. He grew up on a farm in Burlingame, where he was a Boy Scout. He graduated in 1964, and served in the U.S. Army Reserves at Osage City.

He was a heavy equipment operator for many years and was currently self-employed in wire fabrication.

His unpretentious manner masked his obsession as a perfectionist and his thirst for knowledge. He thrived when faced with challenge. While always ready to defend his opinion, he was a fair and caring man. He loved a good country song, playing his guitar or banjo, the view from atop a mountain, a blowing Kansas wheat field and a dog by his side. Family and friends were most important to him.

Forty-four years ago, on Jan. 1, 1974, Richard and Linda Wright became life partners. She survives at their home in Alto, N.M.

Other survivors include a sister, Linda Fagan, and husband, Mike and a brother, Mark Peterson, and wife, Kathy, all of Osage City, and many nieces and nephews.